Wi-Fi is designed to share the bandwidth of the other networks around yours (within 20 MHz, or 5 channels width).

Some users expect that by putting a wi-fi client in the same room as the Access Point (AP), that it will override the other nearby signals and communicate faster. This is not the case.

Generally, Wi-Fi equipment will not transmit over other wi-fi equipment. Instead, the protocols are designed so that all of the users on the frequency have an opportunity to transmit.

This does suggest a problem that often occurs. If two Wi-Fi stations are transmitting a lot of data (such as transferring a large file), and one cannot hear the signals of the other, then interference occurs when both stations try to transmit simultaneously. You can mitigate this problem by selecting different channels, moving the physical location of one of the stations, or upgrading the antenna.

Related article: /faq/12308



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by funchords edited by mjf
last modified: 2005-11-13 19:22:54